Holiday decorations and events are in full swing! Look no further for the best free and cheap things to do in San Antonio this week! Our guide includes events across the city for every day of the week!
DAILY FUN
San Antonio Zoo Lights
San Antonio Zoo Lights is one of the city’s best places to see Christmas lights this holiday season. Each night, the Zoo turns into a winter wonderland shining bright with two million lights and elaborate displays. Groupon is running a 25% off deal now for a limited time!
Six Flags Holiday in the Park
Experience the magic of the holiday season with this great family event at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. There’s a variety of exciting interactive activities that perfectly capture the holiday spirit. Open select days, so check their calendar. Right now, Groupon has tickets for about 40% off!
Monday
Big Blue Blocks at Yanaguana Garden
What: Big Blue Blocks on the Great Lawn at Yanaguana Garden is the perfect play date for your little ones. All your kids to use their creativity and fine motor skills in addition to having tons of fun.
When: December 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 434 S. Alamo St., 78205
Cost: Free
Nature Buds at Eco Centro
What: Nature Buds is for children 18 months to four years old and their caretakers. Spend time in the garden and help seeds nestle into the ground for the winter. The hands-on and open-ended activities will ignite your child’s curiosity about these small and power-packed packages.
When: December 10, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 1802 N Main Ave., 78212
Cost: $3 per child or $5 per family
Grinch-mas Party at Mammen Family Public Library
What: Celebrate Grinch-mas and grow your heart 3 sizes at the Grinch-mas Party! There will be How the Grinch Stole Christmas themed snacks and coloring pages/activity sheets and you’ll be able to make Grinch slime.
When: December 10, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 131 Bulverde Crossing Rd., Bulverde, 78163
Cost: Free but registration is required
Tuesday
Little Explorers at Cibolo Nature Center
What: Preschoolers and their caregivers use their five senses for fun and adventure as they discover nature through stories, crafts, games, songs, and outdoor exploration. Themes include: science lab, nature art, seeds, seasons, and dragonflies.
When: December 11, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, 78006
Cost: $5 per family
Watch ‘The Polar Express’ at Leon Valley Public Library
What: Come on out to the Leon Valley Public Library and watch ‘The Polar Express’. Bring a covered drink. Snacks will be served!
When: December 11, 11:00 a.m.
Where: 6425 Evers Rd., Leon Valley, 78238
Cost: Free
Eat & Play in Travis Park
What: Enjoy a wide variety of local food trucks, live entertainment and activities during this mid-day event in Travis Park. Food Trucks will be collecting toy donations for local charities.
When: December 11, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
December in Travis Park
What: Head on out to Travis Park for some fun! Enjoy many things including: Saint Mark’s Episcopal church choir, live holiday music, free photos with Santa, face painting, food trucks, hot chocolate, festive activities for kids and so much more! Free parking.
When: December 11, 5:00 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
Wednesday
Christmas Caroling at The Pearl
What: ‘Tis the season for Christmas caroling! Starting today, celebrate the tradition of Christmas Caroling with choirs from several local schools and organizations.
When: December 12, 6:30 a.m.
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy., 78215
Cost: Free
Little Maker Workshops at The DoSeum
What: Little Maker Workshops are drop-in programs that are designed specifically for guests 1-5 years of age. Find the workshop in Innovation Station.
When: December 12, 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: 2800 Broadway, 78209
Cost: Free with admission
Story Time at Whole Earth Provision Company
What: Join Whole Earth Provision Co for a reading of “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. You’ll also have a chance to win a copy of the book ‘The Mitten’ and a Spunky Hedgehog stuffed animal!
When: December 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 255 E Basse Rd., 78209
Cost: Free
Thursday
Holiday Night Market at The Pearl
What: Get a jump on your holiday shopping at The Historic Pearl’s Holiday Night Market! Shop farmers market and craft vendors while enjoying live music and holiday-themed activities. Traditional favorites like tamales, artisanal chocolates and sweets will also be available for purchase.
When: December 13, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 303 Pearl Pkwy., 78215
Cost: Free
H-E-B Free General Admission at the McNay Art Museum
What: Join us and enjoy free general admission courtesy of H-E-B.
When: December 13, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave., 78209
Cost: Free
Woodlawn Lake Tree Lighting
What: Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting! Enjoy refreshments, and singing some holiday tunes! Barrio Barista will provide hot chocolate, Bedoy’s Bakery will provide cookies, and the Young Women’s Leadership Academy Choir will perform holiday carols. Also, unwrapped toys will be collected for Blue Santa.
When: December 13, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: 1103 Cincinnati Ave., 78201
Cost: Free
Friday
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Christmas Town Display
What: The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Christmas Town display has eight different holiday theme scenes that is sure to delight the whole family. See celebrity wax figures portrayed in fun holiday scenes. Come to take a selfie with Mr. Clause himself or other photo opps throughout. Come see the Ripley’s Christmas Town before it leaves on January 1st!
When:December 14, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: 301 Alamo Plaza, 78205
Cost: $10
Winter Wonderland Party at Gymboree (Huebner Oaks)
What: Bring the kids out for winter themed activities, crafts, snacks and pictures with Santa!
When: December 14, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 11703 Huebner Rd. #205, 78230
Cost: $10
Merry Movie Nights at Travis Park
What: Enjoy beautiful holiday lights and fun activities including free photos with Santa, face painting, food trucks and hot chocolate provided by Travis Park United Methodist Church.
When: December 14, 4:00 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
Saturday
Duck Donuts Visit with Santa
What: Bring the family to meet Santa at Duck Donuts SA. Take pictures, enjoy some Christmas games, and receive a small gift. Bring food items for donation to the homeless, if you feel so inclined.
When: December 15, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 11703 Huebner Rd. Suite 113, 78230
Cost: Free
TubaMeister Christmas
What: All tuba, euphonium, and baritone horn players are invited to participate in the 40th Annual TubaMeister Christmas. Participants will stand for the concert, so bring a music stand or music lyre, if possible. Use of sousaphones is encouraged for tuba players. If special seating is needed, inform the registration clerk. Dress is casual, but please be festive!
When:December 15, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where:418 Villita St., 78205
Cost: Free
Little Flower Christmas Dance
What: Live music by Danny Acosta and Q-VO Band. Doors open at 7 p.m.
When:December 15, 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Where:1715 N. Zarzamora St., 78201
Cost:$15
Alamo Christmas Tree Celebration
What: Alamo Christmas Tree Celebration is here once again. Toys will be handed out to all the good boys and girls, choirs sing Christmas Carols, a Christmas story will be read, free Christmas Cookies and free pictures of your family standing next to the Christmas Tree in front of the Alamo with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves.
When:December 15, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where:300 Alamo Plaza, 78205
Cost: Free
“San Antonio | The Saga” at Main Plaza
What: This free video art installation, created by Xavier De Richemont, plays three times a night, weather permitting, on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on the facade of San Fernando Cathedral. The lights projected onto the cathedral tell the story of San Antonio from its beginning to today.
When: December 15, 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: 115 N. Main Ave., 78205
Cost: Free
Sunday
Free Admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art
What: Free general admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art on Sundays!
When: Decemebr 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: 200 West Jones Avenue, 78215
Cost: Free
San Antonio Founders Day – Christmas in Travis Park
What: San Antonio Founders Day is designed to inspire, inform and educate our community about San Antonio heritage and character in a fun way. The event pays tribute to the 20+ cultural groups who helped shape our city’s unique character and identity from the 1700s to today. The event will have children’s activities, cultural, historical and educational exhibits, and musical entertainment, including Christmas Caroling. Bring a blanket to sit in the park while they enjoy. There will be food and refreshments available for purchase. No alcohol is permitted.
When: December 16, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: 301 E Travis St., 78205
Cost: Free
Batik Workshop at the San Antonio Public Library
What: The San Antonio Public Library and the Southwest School of Art invite children of all ages to express themselves through a unique art form – Batik. Join in on this hands-on tutorial that gives children the opportunity to experiment with fabric, wax and dye. Participants will create two small art pieces, one to keep and one to submit for inclusion in a collaborative “Community Conversations Quilt.”
When: December 16, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: 600 Soledad, 78205
Cost: Free
